Winter Wise

Winter is a busy time for the health system with many people exposed to illnesses such as cold and flu. NSW Health is preparing for a potentially serious flu season and we urge the community to do the same by being winter wise.

Our plans for winter include:

Providing a public health immunisation programme for high risk members of the community

Providing flu vaccinations for all frontline health staff

Developing winter plans for NSW hospitals to cope with an increase in service demand.

We’re ready. Are you?

Here are some tips to be winter wise this season:

Keep well

Good hygiene and behaviour can help reduce the spread of illness.

Here are some simple things to remember:

Catch it and bin it

Germs can spread easily. Always carry a tissue and use it to catch your cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, coughing into your elbow is better than your hands.

Germs can live for several hours on tissues. Throw used tissues in a rubbish bin as soon as possible.

Kill it

Hands can transfer germs to every surface you touch. Wash your hands thoroughly and often, especially after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.

Wash hands for at least 10 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand rub.

Stay at home

Wait at least 24 hours after your fever resolves before you return to work or other public activities so you do not infect others. Keep sick children away from school and other activities.

Get a jab

Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for anyone aged over 6 months who wishes to reduce their chances of becoming ill with influenza.

Public health experts advise that the best time to be vaccinated against the flu is before the winter season arrives. You can organise to have a flu vaccination through your GP. Some workplaces also offer free vaccination.

Anyone can get flu, but it can be more serious for certain people.

As part of the Immunise Australia Program {insert link: http://www.immunise.health.gov.au/} flu vaccination is free for high-risk groups, including:

those with chronic respiratory conditions

pregnant women (especially 2nd and 3rd trimester)

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

people aged 65 years or older

people with certain other chronic medical conditions

Get a local GP

Make sure you have a local GP.

If you haven’t seen a doctor in a while, or have recently moved house, you should establish contact with a local GP before the winter season arrives.